Thank you, Chairman Boxer, for convening today's hearing, and I would also like to thank our Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Board Nominees, Ms. Lodge and Mr. Walter for being here today to testify before this committee.
Since its inception in 1933, TVA, a corporate entity owned by the United States government, has sought to improve the "quality of life and economic prosperity for people and businesses" that it represents. When taking into account the large service area TVA is responsible for, which encompasses portions of seven states, it becomes important that this Committee ensures the nominees that come before it are qualified and competent in their fields of expertise, to guarantee that the authority entrusted to them over these public resources are responsibly administered.
It is vitally important that the TVA board be able to conduct business in a responsible and independent manner, and that TVA remains financially independent and does not become a burden for tax payers.
Again, thank you for being here today, and I look forward to hearing your responses on these important issues.
-30-
